Safe Leafy Greens Blog

A Day to Celebrate Spinach

Leafy greens are touted as one of the healthiest foods available today. There are many different leafy greens to choose from (kale anyone?), but one of the most well-known and nutritious greens is spinach. National Spinach Day is observed annually on March 26th. Below are some fun facts about this popular green:

Taste

Baby spinach leaves are sweet and very tender. Larger, more mature leaves are less tender but the flavor will still be sweet and mild.

Nutrition

This dark leafy green is rich in iron; in fact, it has more iron than any other leafy green we know. Compared to iceberg lettuce, spinach has 2.5 times more iron in each serving. We have a handy fact sheet that compares the nutrition of all leafy greens (including spinach). Download here >

Farming

Did you know 66% of the nation’s spinach is grown in California? Watch this video to learn more about how spinach, and other leafy greens, are farmed.

Food Safety

Spinach is a tasty, nutritious whole food that can be eaten cooked or raw. However you prepare spinach, it is important to follow good food safety practices. Here are some tips that you can use at home for spinach and all leafy greens: